Why You Should Buy a Nintendo Switch in 2017

by admin on April 1, 2017

Nintendo’s newest console launched March 3 and it has already become its fastest selling console ever. In the weeks following the launch, demand has still been high but Nintendo has been unable to meet that hype with supply. The Switch is a hybrid-console as it can act as a handheld console and a traditional, stationary console. It’s looking to build on where the Wii U failed and here’s why you should buy a Nintendo Switch in 2017.

Nintendo has been marketing the Switch as something you will be able to play at home and play on the go. By being portable, the Switch is something you can play on your TV and then take it with you to your bedroom or even your bathroom. There is a slight drop in visual quality and performance but playing the Switch handheld is still a viable option if you don’t have a TV to play on.

Nintendo has always marketed to the local multiplayer crowd and the Switch is no different. Titles like 1-2 Switch, Snipperclips and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe all bank on you having friends or family to play with. Almost all the commercials and pictures used for marketing show the Switch being played with a group of people. That’s not to say you wouldn’t enjoy the Switch by yourself but you will have a good time with other people as well.

The launch has been rather lackluster in terms of games but it did launch with one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time being The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. More titles will trickle in throughout the year including Fire Emblem Warriors, Super Mario Odyssey, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Splatoon 2. The problem with Nintendo consoles of late has been the lack of third party support while the first party support buoyed the console. Many developers have pledged their support to the Switch and said they will create games for the console. Skyrim will make its debut on the Nintendo Switch after being released in 2011.

A list of developers supporting the Nintendo Switch.

The Nintendo Switch retails for $300, making it the same price as the other consoles on the market. This makes it hard to stand apart from the other consoles given its current lack of noteworthy titles and lack of streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu. What the console does offer is a strong lineup of Nintendo exclusive games on the horizon like Mario and Fire Emblem along with indie titles with games like The Binding of Isaac and Enter the Gungeon.

The Switch is introducing a paid online service like Xbox and Playstation have and will feature things such as online lobbies, voice chats, exclusive deals and a monthly download of an NES or SNES game to play for free during the month. The service rolls out later this year and more information will become available then.

Amiibos are making a return with the Nintendo Switch and will work the same way they did with the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. These aren’t necessary to play games but it is a nice reason to collect these well designed and detailed figurines.

If you’re a fan of Nintendo, this is a no-brainer pick up. However, if you are not a fan of Nintendo, it will be a harder sell since it may not be getting your favorite games. It will receive strong indie support and the ability to take a game like Breath of the Wild or Skyrim on the go will not be possible on another console. If more developers take advantage of bringing games of that magnitude to the Switch, then it will bode well for the Switch’s future. As for right now, I’d recommend additional research on upcoming games to see if they interest you or not before you pull the trigger on the Switch.